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Apr 19, 2012

Cultural History of Broadcast Radio

There was a time when radio broadcasters were not regulated—anyone could
receive a broadcast license—and between 1920 and 1925, the airwaves were a mess.
With only two broadcasting frequencies and endless individuals with a broadcast
license, this chaotic situation led many Americans to distrust the radio
system.

Congress finally ratified the situation by signing the Radio Act of 1927
and creating the Federal Radio Commission; a five-person committee that could
ultimately deny licenses and assign different frequencies
for various licenses. The commission also ensured that no
vulgar language was broadcasted. Since the FRC could regulate the airwaves, radio
broadcast became less chaotic.

In 1928, the commission told 164 stations that they need to justify why
they should continue to broadcast or they would be taken off air. 81 stations
remained, while the rest retired from the airwaves. The commission chose
certain stations to eliminate, communicating to the nation the power it welded to
decide which information could be broadcasted.

Even though the radio became more regulated in the 1920s, its golden age
was the 30s. Home radios grew from 12 million to 22 million even during the
depression, from 1930 through 1935. In 1934, the Communications Act created the
Federal Communications Commission. The commission’s duties involved regulating
interstate and foreign radio and promoting safety of life through the Emergency
Broadcast System. Because radio’s regulations became more recognized, more
shows aired. From The Ed Sullivan Show to Bob Hope, radio achieved more
entertainment value, as more shows aired.

By 1955, radio was no longer the number-one medium for entertainment and
news. With its visual component, television became a leader in advertisement
and entertainment.

Though television remains the dominant
medium for entertainment today, there is something romantic about sitting
around a radio listening to voices and music.Old time radio’s romanticism is what WYNOT Radio Theatre invoke during performances. This show transports
us back to the 30s and 40s, where the radio is the crucial object in each
American’s home for be transported to other worlds.